The Joan P. Brock Institute for Nutrition Science & Health Karen R. Studer, MD, MBA, MPH, FACPM, as its inaugural executive director.
Dr. Studer brings more than 15 years of experience in preventive medicine, lifestyle medicine, academic leadership and clinical innovation. She joins Old Dominion University from Loma Linda University, where she served as chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine. Throughout her career, she has championed the integration of nutrition and lifestyle medicine into medical education, clinical practice and community health initiatives.
As executive director, Dr. Studer will lead the Institute's strategic development across four interconnected pillars: community, education, research and clinical care. Her vision is to establish the Institute as a national leader in advancing nutrition science and lifestyle medicine, translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions that prevent chronic disease and improve health outcomes.
"Nutrition and lifestyle medicine have tremendous potential to transform how we approach health and healthcare," said Dr. Studer. "I'm excited to work alongside our faculty, healthcare professionals and community partners to build an Institute that advances innovative research, prepares the next generation of health professionals and empowers individuals and communities to lead healthier lives."
Under Dr. Studer's leadership, the Institute will focus on expanding interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthening community partnerships and developing evidence-based programs that place nutrition and healthy lifestyles at the center of disease prevention and whole-person care.